Dean Aura Matias Steps Down as College of Engineering Dean

In a heartwarming despedida on the last day of Dean Aura C. Matias’ second and last term as Dean of the College of Engineering, close college associates, former deans, the UP President, the COE staff, and friends from Dean Aura’s past lives as concert singer, TOYW, and U.P. Integrated School student all came to congratulate her for a job well done and wish her success in future endeavors.

The lunch event was held last August 31, 2016. The COE staff presented a dance number which the Aura gamely joined. Then Dean Aura sang two favorite numbers, accompanied on the organ by previous dean Gev Guevara. A highlight was the arrival of UP President Fred Pascual who gave Aura a big hug then gave a well-received talk that included compliments to Aura’s leadership. Another highlight was the photo opportunity that included Dean Aura, the last three previous deans – Rey Vea, Ega Atanacio, and Gev Guevara, the incoming dean Babylin de Leon, and UP President Fred. Among those who gave toasts and roasts were ERDFI’s Tito Aliga, UPAE’s Lilit Tumbocon, and UPIEAA’s Bing del Rosario. Dean Aura then gave her from-the-heart response as only Aura can and acknowledged all the help and contributions from all the people in the room.